Hurting People Hurt

Good Morning,

I have heard the statement “Hurting People Hurt People,” and I believe that is one of the most idiotic, psychology-classroom inventions ever! Educated people love to invent, explain, and often excuse behavior, and they do so without the Bible (their biggest mistake). 

Let us dissolve this foolish quote.  Who in history hurt more than any human being?  If you said Jesus, you are correct.  Jesus was hurt physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  Jesus was hurt by His nation, His friends, His religion, and His family – yet, no one in history helped more people than Jesus. He did not vent His anger and suffering on others; Jesus loved people and helped them.

We can follow the same line of thinking with the Apostle Paul; read of his suffering and the love he expressed for others.  If you have been hurt, you do not need to hurt anyone else. That is the “blame game” our culture has taught us to play.  If we hurt people, it is our choice – our own sinful, shameful, godless decision. 

Everyone has a chance to do right on their own.  Perhaps, it is harder for some than others; perhaps, good training makes doing some things easier for one than another, but we all have a choice to make every day!  Our own choice! 

1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 

2 Peter 2:9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”

Who has not been hurt to some extent?  Who has not suffered physically or emotionally?  

I sat talking with a veteran of well over a dozen deployments, and he made a simple comment, “I do not buy the idea of PTSD.”  (Not my words, I have never been there, and could not even comment; I am quoting a veteran of over thirty years of service.) He felt those who suffered would have had the same emotional troubles had they never served; he said it was them who had the problem, the military just gave it a release.  That perspective aligns with the things Paul and James said: 

Acts 14:15 “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you…”

James 5:17 “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are…”

We are all subject to “like passions” (the same trials and troubles). 

The book of Job tells us, “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” and “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” 

We will face troubles.  We can do right. We choose how we respond to troubles.  

Early in my ministry, I remember responding to something my wife said, and it was only a feeling, not words or actions, just an inward impulse. I remember thinking, “That is just how my dad acted, and he left when I was a little boy; I’m not going to act like that man.”  I made a decisions how to act. Perhaps, some internal genetic things moved me, or perhaps it was an impulse trained into me by watching my dad, but one thing was clear, I was going to determine my own behavior! 

We know the verses, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and “There is none righteous…”  We all sin, and we all face similar temptations. We all live in a cursed world, and we are all surrounded by evil.  How does someone like Corrie Ten Boom suffer such injustice at the hands of the Nazis, yet live a life so full of love and care for others?  She choose to do so, and she had a relationship to God as well.  Consider Joseph and his suffering, yet he brought forth love and forgiveness. All of these hurting people helped others, they did not hurt others. 

Classroom “shrinks” are busy trying to explain and excuse behavior while leaving God out of the equation. There is a God Who helps, Who strengthens, and Who may also leave us to our own devises.  

Hosea 4:17 “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.”

Matthew 15:14 “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind…”

I do not want to find myself in a situation when God will leave me alone. I want God near, and I want His help.  Do not be so foolish as to think you can run through life without the mercy and help of God.  God may just leave you on your own, and that would be frightful.

I have three books that are nothing but stories of men and women who faced the most horrific challenges and injustices, yet found victory.  No, hurting people need not hurt people – it is a choice.

All things can work together for good, if we want them to. (Romans 8:28)

If you want to go through life blaming others for your behavior, that is your choice – but it will create a miserable existence.  If you want a different path, draw near to God, trust Christ to save you, then begin to commit every situation into the hands of a loving Father in a way directed by the Word of God. 

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” 

Pastor

Payday

Good Morning,

From politics to business, and even to the people around us, we will sometimes see the prosperity of the evil and wonder; Job felt the same way, as did David.  Many passages deal with these feelings because they are common among men, “Why do the wicked prosper?” 

Psalm 49:6 “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;”

vs. 7 “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:”

Firstly, God reminds us that their money cannot redeem them or their friends.  Money may buy clothing, houses, or cars, but there is a soul to attend to and money will not redeem that soul. 

vs. 9 “That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.”

What can money do to help a man live forever?  NOTHING!  When that person with money dies, their money will be gone. That empty, deceitful, selfish life without decency or honour will face eternity naked and exposed for all of their pitiful purposes.  

Revelation 3:17 “…knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

2 Corinthians 5:2 “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:”

vs. 3 “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.”

At the judgement, there will be some shallow, empty lives who will be naked before God and eternity.  This short article does not allow enough time to explain the doctrine, but for the moment, you can trust the face value of the text – that day will be an awful day!  

The child of God, seeking right but facing troubles, will see the end of the story.  

Psalm 49:10 “For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.”

The rich and famous may look at houses and popularity, or social media followers and friends, and they may live as if it will go on forever, but, one day, they will die! 

Psalm 49:11 “Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.”

vs. 12 “Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish."

That person who lived for gain, vanity, vengeance, popularity, and earthly attainments will die just as a beast in the wilderness.  

Psalm 49:14 “…their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.”

vs. 15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.”

Trust in the Lord, do good, wait patiently, and the eternal blessings will come.  God is faithful!

Pastor

Source of Fear

Good Morning,

There are times in our lives when we fear. We may call it anxiety or distress, but those days come when sleep escapes us or our stomach feels sick. The apostle Paul spoke of being pressed out of measure. Jeremiah said that God had deceived him, and that he would not preach anymore (but, of course, he did).

The book of Isaiah points out the main source of our fear.

Isaiah 51:12  “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;”

vs. 13 “And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?”

God is the One Who brings us comfort, and yet, we fear what men say or do. Verse 12 reminds us that man is like grass, green and alive today, but it may dry up and be gone tomorrow. 

Verse 13 gives us the reason for our fear, we forget God! We forget that He is the One Who made all things, and we worry about men who made nothing. 

Now, I understand that most of us do believe God made all things; we simply doubt that He will help us. We know God can, but we fear about whether God will. Whatever it is we are facing, let us not forget God.  We may worry over decisions we have made or another has made, but we should leave justice in the hands of that One Who is perfect.

Romans 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” 

Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 

Paul points out that God gave His very best when we were far from anything of value. It was His love that moved Him – not our worthiness.  When we were without strength or any form of righteousness (in that pitiful, condemned state), God sent His Son to die for our sins. Whether my poor choices, my sinful choices, or the evil choices of mankind around me, God is still good; God is still Almighty, and He is still worthy of our trust.

We will still have fears assault us, but let us seek to remember God; may our fears only briefly visit us and not establish residence in our hearts. 

Isaiah 51:13 “… and hast feared continually every day….”

That is no way for a child of God to live.

Pastor

Why People Gossip

Good Morning,

Luke 18:10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican."

vs. 11 “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.”

vs. 12 “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."

vs. 13 “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

vs. 14 “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Notice two things about the story:

The proud man looking down on the common sinner prayed “with himself.” God was not a party to his disdain for another human.  Also notice that the humble sinner went away just before God, not the arrogant slanderer (his slander was only between him and God).   

Why do people gossip?

I cannot read a person’s mind, but here are some guesses from half a century of working with people. 

1. People are proud and want to announce to the world that they are of higher quality than other people - they are forgetting Romans 3:23 & 6:23, and Isaiah 64:6.   

2. People wish to have the ear of other people.  They cannot accomplish anything good or for God; they have no character or wisdom that might help another, yet they wish to be the center of attention. They want to be the first to point out “juicy” information.   

1 Timothy 5:13 “…but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” 

Notice the opinion of God when He says they are “speaking things they ought not.” 

3. People wish to be popular and desire friends, yet they are so low that quality people will not spend time with them; therefore, they try to divide others from their friends in hopes of gaining some closeness in the “fallout.” 

Proverbs 16:28 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” 

Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

4. People who gossip are evil and wish to hurt other people. Do not doubt that this is true in many situations; if it were not true, God would not write so much about it.  Passages documenting this wrong are many, but I have listed just a few:

Proverbs 12:18 “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”

Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Romans 1:29 “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers.”  —Notice a whisperer is lined up with a murderer.

Perhaps the most harsh statement in Scripture is in Proverbs 6:19; it says that God hates the man who sows discord among brethren.

I like the verse of the children’s song that says, “You can talk about me all that you please; I’ll talk about you down on my knees…” 

Of course, there is some information that should be passed along to those in authority (parents, boss, or whomever is responsible in the situation), but to slander, gossip, or repeat a matter to people unrelated to the circumstance is evil, sinful, shameful, harmful, and as the last passage  says, God hates the person who does so. 

Pastor 

Winners Above the Rest

Good Morning,

I noticed that the disciples did not quit when Judas was revealed to be a thief and traitor.  David did not quit when his son tried to kill him and take over the kingdom. Paul did not quit when he stood alone, with no one at his side during trials.  Demas and Titus, as well as others walked away from Paul, yet he did not walk away from the work God called him to do.  When someone fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  Each of these men pressed on and won great victories while others among them failed.  

When my dad left my mom with two boys and a house to care for, she worked long hours, but she did not give up on home and family.  After some years, she remarried, and our family was wonderfully blessed.  When one person fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  

When the colonial Baptists were persecuted and abused, they did not abandon their faith or the “American Dream;” they pressed on while facing trials.  America was still their home and the place they desired to build their churches and future.  When someone in leadership fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  

If you follow the book of Acts and the early church, you will find much failure on the part of the people of God; but the believers went on, overcame sorrows, and turned the world upside down. 

Whatever happens in the future, the purpose of our family, our church, and our personal lives will not change.  No leader can save the world; that is the Lord’s work, and it is believers and the church that God will use to reach our broken society.  

Do not allow a person who fails, a business that fails, a political movement that fails, or even a church that fails to influence you to think God and His work has failed.  God wins.  Bible-believing Christianity wins. Surrendered Christians win.  The church will be triumphant and be presented before His presence with “exceeding joy.”   If someone near you stops running their race, you still have yours to run.  Win it! 

Pastor

Plead For Your Nation

Good Morning,

The book of Deuteronomy repeats much of the story from Egypt to the east side of the Jordan near Jericho.  As I read about Moses and Israel, I am writing a few thoughts about prayer for our nation.  

Deuteronomy 8:5-11 – Warnings not to forget how good God has been. 

vs. 11 “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:” 

In chapter 9 God continues to warn them not to forget Who It was that gave them all of the things they enjoyed.

God also reminded them that they had been rebels, and they were far from deserving any Divine favor.

Deuteronomy 9:6 “Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”

vs. 7 “Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.”

Next, He addresses prayer for the nation: 

Deuteronomy 9:13 “Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”

vs. 14 “Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.”

God asked Moses to leave Him alone to kill them all; Moses did not oblige.

vs. 26 “I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.”

There is much more to prayer, but you can understand the essence while reading this story.  Moses pled with God to not give them what they deserved.  

Today, we have the same right to come before God and to ask for mercy on a nation to whom God has been unbelievably good.  Today, we have the honor to beg the Merciful Father for the lives of our young ones, widows, and the needy. We have the chance to pray that God will not place us under the authority of evil rulers.  Do not miss this opportunity! Be the people who pray for their nation.

Pastor

Guilt

Good Morning,

There is no question that it hurts us when we fail our Lord.  Guilt, shame, embarrassment, and more can punish the child of God.

Such was the case when Peter went out and wept bitterly after denying the Lord three times.  

The world responds differently to guilt than the believer.  Remember the prophets of Baal when Elijah challenged them? They were screaming, jumping up and down, and cutting themselves.   Then there was the maniac that Jesus dealt with; he would cut himself, wander around the tombs, and cry.

Pagan, devil worship across the world is often tied to piercing and cutting themselves and abusing their bodies.   The Catholic rite of penance was often beating themselves, somehow punishing themselves for their sin.  This self-punishment is still practiced in many countries today.  Some people will have themselves tied to a cross, others really use nails and will hang for a while in hopes of paying for their sins or making God happy.   

None of these rituals are scriptural in the least.  Jesus bore our sins; He paid for them and suffered for them, and with HIS STRIPES we were healed. (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24) 

Our stripes are of no value. Living for God pleases God.  Shedding sinful, depraved blood cannot atone for wrong doing; you can be sure that all our blood is corrupt!  

Biblical sorrow:

2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

The sorrow that makes us punish ourselves is not godly.  Godly sorrow brings us sorrow and repentance, and then we live for God.  No one in the New Testament ever beat themselves or tied themselves to a cross. 

There is no need to cut yourself, pierce yourself, hate yourself, or take your own life.  That kind of sorrow is satanic and far from any Bible truths. 

Isaiah 53:4 “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”

vs. 5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

We sorrow, but not as those that have no hope, we have hope! We have rejoicing, knowing the forgiveness and mercy of God. 

Pastor

Gratitude

Good Morning, 

All over the world people face danger when they simply carry or read a Bible. In fact, in the early days of our  nation it was illegal for even preachers to read the Bible.  They were allowed to read from the common book of prayers, approved by the Anglican Church.  Many Baptists were jailed for reading the Bible, even in their homes in a church-like setting.  The fact that we can attend church, talk about our faith, and read the Bible is wonderful, but not universal.  

Educating our children in the school of our choice is likewise not a right most of the world enjoys.  Government schools are mandated throughout most of the world.  For many years, the Chinese government limited the number of children a couple could have - this only changed recently.  We all know similar scenarios, but the point is – be grateful!  

Thank God! I am not saying a colloquialism, I am saying in a heartfelt, exclamation of gratitude; lift your eyes to Heaven and tell God, “Thank you!” Most who say, “thank God“ are not even thinking about God; they simply make a common statement. I would like to urge you to tell God, “Thank you.”  Tell God “thank you” for giving us a president who is pro-Israel, pro-life, pro-freedom, and pro-Second Amendment. Thank God! I mean, stop everything, lift your eyes heavenward, and tell God, “Thank you.”  We were not far from having political leadership that would continue to dismantle our very nation, for a nation without borders is no nation at all. When we have national leaders who do not love the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, our nation will be diluted and dissolved.  Most of the world lives in such a situation; do not think that, as Americans, it is our right. It is not a right but a privilege.

Thank God, and then pray for your leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

vs. 2 “For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Pastor

It’s All About the Money

Good Morning,

The Bible is amazing! I have been reading it daily for almost fifty years, yet I continue to discover new truths in its pages. What a book!

Recently, I listened to a comedian talk about how he grew up in America before it was ruined by attorneys. I smiled in agreement. He joked about playgrounds, car seats, and the endless mandated changes to "protect" us. The average American is tired of being “protected” and wants to be left alone, while another group of Americans is the topic of the following few verses.

Micah 7:2 “…and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.”

vs. 3 “That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.”

The prince (the political leader) wants a “cut” and the judge wants a reward for his part in hunting men down (vs. 3).

Verse four tells of these folks being like thorns, scratching and tearing at everyone who passes by.

Verse 5 warns us to be careful what we say and who hears it- how often do we hear that? “If you are in an accident, do not admit anything….” I can attest that there is no one beyond passing along information, whether it be true or false if they can get something out of it.

vs. 6 “…a man's enemies are the men of his own house.”

Here is where the subject becomes more pointed. -I love the Bible for Its ability to reach through the centuries and slap society in the face.

Micah reminds us that God will care for the difficulties, and in Divine timing, He will straighten out situations (vs. 7-9).

Notice the gender in verse ten:

“Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.”

Hmmmm…. Do you know how rare this is in Scripture? Since this is not a theology class I will not go further, but this text is rare and very pointed.

Let’s sum this up. Some hunt their fellow man. They use political trends and courts, and each one will get their share of the spoil (money). The warning here is to guard with whom you speak – even family will rise against family... like thorns, cutting and tearing, but in the end, SHE… yes SHE… shall be covered with shame.

We need to remember that the end of the story has yet to be seen and that there is a God Who is so wonderful; that we cannot fathom His greatness and mercy. People will let us down, but God will not. So-called friends may change their nature, but God will always be the same. The end of the story will, as all biblical situations are, honor and glorify God.

vs. 9 “…I shall behold his righteousness.”

vs. 18 “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.”

vs. 19 “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”

We serve a wonderful God who is worthy of our trust in every situation.

Pastor

Debtor

Good Morning,

Romans 1:14  “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”

vs. 15 “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

Romans 9:2 “That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.”

vs. “3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:"

Paul owed a serious debt to the Jewish people, as well as to the Gentiles. Consider that these Jewish people lied, deceived, attacked, followed him from city the city, and had him falsely imprisoned, yet he loved them. Paul said he would wish to go to hell himself if it would save the Jewish people.

I cannot tell anyone else what they should do, but I believe the example is clear – we owe a debt.  I owe a debt to two pastors who invested in me. I owe a debt to the church members who financed the buildings where I attended church and college. I owe a debt to the parents who taught me everything from how to wipe my nose and tie my shoes to how to work and do my job well.

I owe a debt to the faithful church members who have stood by me and built, not only buildings but lives. I owe a debt to those who gave generously of their time, talents, and treasure, that souls might be saved, young people might be trained, and so we could have a part in sending the Gospel to the world.

I owe my wife who has followed my dreams and joined wholeheartedly in the great sacrificial work we have done for over four decades.  I owe a debt to her; she has worked to raise our children and never complained about my long hours or the tight budget.

I do not choose to follow the self-centered critics, who slander those who trained them.  I cannot join the circle of people who assault those who sacrificed in order to give them an education, and put up with their foolishness in order to help them grow to maturity. I will not follow the people who forsake the loyalty they owe to those who literally built the life that they now criticizes and slander their own founder.

My parents will be loved and respected, and honored in my words and deeds. The two churches and two pastors that have invested in my life and the life of my wife, will be spoken about with respect, honor, and held in high esteem. If Paul could wish that he would be sent to hell in exchange for Jews to be be saved, how much love and loyalty do we owe those who invested in us?

I owe much to America.  With all its weaknesses, all I physically have came from this nation and those who went before me.  I will love my nation, pray for my nation, and be frustrated with those who criticize my nation.  I am bothered when someone comes from another country and drinks from the well of U.S. prosperity, and then tries to turn this great land into the sewer from which they came.  When an uneducated gal immigrates to the U.S. and becomes a bartender, and within a few years, becomes a millionaire in Congress, I say, “What a nation of opportunity!”  When that same person says, “What a racist nation of bigots,”  I am greatly bothered.  I am angered when D.C. residents, who call themselves “elite,” live in luxury, yet try to eliminate our founding documents. Spoiled brats, egotistical tyrants, arrogant yet worthless leaches on a great nation: I have no use for them, for they owe a debt! 

I wish my nation could be saved. I wish there would be revival again stirring hearts all across our nation.  I owe so much to this land, to our founders, and to those who gave their lives on the altar of military service.  I am a debtor.

 Pastor

He Doesn’t Want Your Life

Good Morning,

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

We often hear the phrase, “Give your life to Christ,” and I am sure the motives behind it are good, but why not consider what Jesus actually asks for.  In Romans 12 we read that we are to present our body, that fleshly thing we walk around in.  The Lord asks for your body.  

That sacrifice to which this verse refers is reminiscent of the lamb that was brought to be killed and have its blood offered – that is a serious offering.  That offering goes beyond simply attending church on Sunday morning.  We are urged to say, “Here God, take all I am, all I have, 24/7.”

God asks for our body to glorify Him, and as such, to avoid sexual sins.  

1 Corinthians 6:20 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."

We are to mortify the desires and even the needs of the body, it is not to rule our behavior.  

Romans 8:13 “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."

There are many exhortations regarding our body, not just the philosophical “LIFE.”  

Romans 6:13 “…members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

vs. 19 “…yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” 

Philippians 1:20 “…also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” 

There are many other verses, but notice this last passage; He addresses the heart, the conscience, and the BODY.  

Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

If we want to be serious about the Bible’s instruction, we must understand that God wants our body!  What you see matters. What you touch matters.  From diet to dress, from where we go to our countenance – it all matters and God wants it all to glorify Him. Our body includes hair, tattoos, fingernails, shoes, makeup, clothing, and more.  Yes, God wants to be glorified in our BODY.

Our “body” would include how young people date, athletic involvement, dress at the beach or pool (and maybe even our weight).  This thing we walk around in is a tool to glorify God.  That BODY is supposed to bring glory to God in every situation.  God could have said that He desires our spirit, or motive, or a generic “life,”  but over and over, the Bible says BODY – and that is what God wants. 

Pastor

Why Peace?

Good Morning,

John 20:21 “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

vs. 26 “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.”

Jesus had been crucified, buried in a tomb, and rose from the dead, three days later.  Peace was the exhortation because we can trust Him. His life, His death, and His resurrection proves we can trust Him.  

Peace is vital because His past proved that we can trust Him with our present.  Consider this principle when you vote.  Look at what the candidate has done, and see if you think you can trust them with your future.  Devastating war in the Middle East, tragic natural disaster in the south, and bullies threatening the welfare of much of our nation are all issues our elected officials will face.  Who can you trust?   Look at the experience of the candidate, and determine if they can offer you peace.  

I can rest in the Lord because of His life, His death, and His resurrection. For nearly half a century, I have seen Him faithful to care for me, a simple insignificant man.  That gives me peace.  Christ gives me peace because of His promise to return, to take us all to Heaven, and to deliver us from “this present evil world.” (Galatians 1:4)  There is a reason for peace.

I can trust my wife; she has stood true for over four decades of marriage – I need no other.  I can trust my Bible because It has proven Itself for over two centuries –  I need no other.  I can trust my old-fashioned Baptist church, though it be filled with common sinners, for two thousand years, it has been the “pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)  

Peace?  Not because of what I see, but peace because of what has been proven over the ages.  

John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Pastor

Thugs

Good Morning,

Romans 13:9  “… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

vs. 10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Most of us have seen movies depicting the early 1900’s when thugs forced people to give them money for “protection” and if they did not give the money, their store might be vandalized or worse.  We have also heard about Castro, who took over Cuba and basically forced people to work Sundays, killed pastors, took private homes and businesses, and committed an endless string of atrocities while forcing the people to do as he commanded.  He wanted the nation to be run his way or he would hurt them.  

Across time, bullies and thugs have demanded certain control or money, lest harm would come to those who did not comply with their demands; we call them terrorists, thugs,  gangsters, or sadly in some situations, union workers.  

When a store employee wants to get a raise and says he will not return to work unless he gets it, the store owner has a choice of doing what the employee asks or lose the employee, forcing him to hire a replacement. That is all reasonable and logical.  If his store, his person, or the new employee is threatened, the situation has acquired a gangster, a thug, or a terrorist.  When that employee states that he will get enough help to shut down all business, the supply of water, the supply of food, or even transportation unless his demands are met, the scenario has turned into one of terrorism.

Make no mistake about this – all of society will suffer greatly when this is allowed to continue.

The business belongs to the owner; he should set the prices and the pay.  The employee runs his own life; he chooses where to work and where to live.  If he does not like where he works, he finds a different job.  If the business owner forces the employee to work, controls where, when, and the pay involved, yet allows the employee no other choice or alternative, it becomes slavery.  The situation may go either way.

To threaten to leave a job is a right, to an extent.  When that employee harms society, his right is now in question.  When the police all walk off the job at once, their action becomes dangerous to society.   They were entrusted with life-saving responsibilities.  One man might retire, but for all to organize to leave together and endanger society is wrong.   You may differ in opinion, but read on – a Bible truth will be revealed .

The balance is dangerous and delicate.  Oh, how the world would improve with, “THE GOLDEN RULE,” with which we were raised. My family was not a church-attending family, but in school and society (in general), that golden rule was well-known and often mentioned.  We were urged to do unto others as we would have them do to us.  

When a group of workers go on strike, they choose not to go to work, which is their right.  They may picket, which is also their right; but what would happen if someone else walked in to work there?  They might have their tires slashed or worse – that is wrong – those workers have no right to harm others.

Sadly, the love of money is still the root of all evil, and the willingness to hurt anyone or force society to do what he wants makes him no better than Hezbollah. Terrorism in the cloak of union rights is still wrong.  An endless string of “but what about” questions and disdain for the level of evil the business owner may use to run his company is sometimes a part of the story, but the bottom line is this: who will you hurt?  Who will you cause to suffer?  What innocent people are you willing to rob of their daily needs or safety, just so you get more money? 

Again we see how the Bible will fix society.  To take from innocent, unrelated people to get what you feel you deserve is simply being a gangster.  It is done in courts and picket lines, and all of it will be judged by the Lord, Who suffered to help others.  

Matthew 19:19 “…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Pastor

Think

Good Morning,

Listening to political news is interesting, especially when people go to the street to interview the average person.  When asked, “Why” they want to vote for their favorite candidate, most people do not know.  The average American cannot articulate the ideologies, policies, and philosophies of their desired leader.  They want a person of color, or they want a woman, or they want someone who will give them stuff.  To have a political ideology and an understanding of a Constitutional Republic is unheard-of.  To vote for a person who looks a certain way without knowing what they will do with war, the economy, immigration, or education is crazy! 

The reality is tragic,  but it is a result of a society not teaching people to think. We have developed a nation of people who decide what they do according to feelings.  Someone may say they feel like a woman, or they do not feel comfortable as a woman.  So what! You are what God made you to be.  Biology demands that you be a man or a woman, and that cannot change.  The divorce rate is horrific because people are as faithful to their wedding vows as the FEEL like being.  Their political view about the border is motivated by seeing poor, homeless travelers, not logic and reason.  No one can enjoy life long without logic and reason.

I encounter similar results when I talk to people about their faith.  Many church goers I meet out soul winning “think” they are going to Heaven, but cannot tell you why.  They choose a church because it makes them FEEL good. When they are asked about their belief or doctrine, those elements seem unimportant and nonessential for which church they choose to attend.  Each month, while our church people are soul winning, I would guess that several people who attend a “feel good” church end up getting saved when they are presented with the Gospel - people who, previously, had no understanding of what the Bible said about salvation until we knocked on their door.

Paul reminded Timothy that Timothy thoroughly knew what Paul believed and practiced.

2 Timothy 3:10 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine…”

While Paul wanted those who followed him to fully know and understand his doctrine and beliefs, he warned that the day would come when people would not endure sound doctrine.  

2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” 

Notice the phrase, “endure sound doctrine.” It is not always enjoyable; to know and to understand doctrine requires work. It takes work to know doctrine; it takes time, personal study, faithfulness to church, and focused attention on the preaching.  To know good doctrine, according to Paul, requires endurance.  A Bible believer will need to work at it and endure the things that accompany biblical understanding.  Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15 to study to show oneself approved unto God, but then he writes more; he says that the work of study will keep the believer from being ashamed. 

2 Timothy 2:15  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

In our vernacular, “Shame on you for not knowing the Book!”  When that person faces questions about their church, doctrine, and belief, they will be ashamed for not having any reason, Bible logic, or clear facts for their faith.  Daily study and faithfulness to a good Bible-teaching and Bible-preaching church allows you to gain knowledge and to rightly divide the Word.  To be “unashamed,” one needs a church that teaches doctrine and says one thing is right and another thing is wrong.  That kind of church is not as popular because we live in a feel-good society (we want to make our decisions based upon how we feel). 

Without knowledge and reason, facts and logic, we will loose our faith and our nation.  THINK!

Pastor

Conservative Media?

Good Morning,

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

The fear of the Lord is where we BEGIN to get wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  It seems reasonable that we ought to seek those who fear God to guide us in wisdom and knowledge regarding most situations in life: including the home, politics, and an endless string of other issues.  I do my best to find godly doctors and other professionals, although it is not always possible.  

This principle is not isolated to spiritual matters.  While I was attending Bible college, our pastor preached against public schools and secular colleges.  Now, fifty years later, most conservatives are saying the same thing, only they are noticing a half century late.

When I started our church, I warned our members against the influence of media. Now, almost everyone (both liberals and conservatives) understands the danger of media and agree to the extent that liberals want to censor media to hide conservative values from the public.  Folks are correct as to the value and power of the media, but they noticed the impact a few decades late.  Anyone who has listened to a God-fearing friend has been decades ahead of the news teams, liberal or conservative.  

People would be farther ahead of the current society if they absorbed information or perspective views about national news from those who fear God rather than modern media.

The motive of those in the media industry is money – money and all that goes with it: followers, popularity, influence, and attention that might influence their future careers.  None of those motives are trustworthy and will only lead one to twist the news to his own benefit.  Godly folks have no agenda, except to defend the truth, protect society, and propagate the Gospel.   Those who fear God will give you a far more pure perspective on current events and information.  

When “MySpace” first came out I warned people (as did a long list of godly people) against allowing their children to access this platform.  Today, doctors and psychologists, from secular to Christian circles, are sounding out the warning about social media, too much screen time, and similar warnings.  Eventually the world catches up with the Bible and God-fearing people - whether a few decades or centuries later.  

We should limit the information we gain from the world and increase our political perspective from the godly people in our lives.  Philosophies of godly friends will probably be decades ahead of any information you may find on even conservatives news sites. (They are conservatives, at least to some extent, but their motive cannot be trusted.) To say that conservative media stars are “God-fearing” would probably be a stretch.  The more fear of God one has, the more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will prevail.

You will be better off learning political issues from the God-fearing folks than from the newscast.  

Psalms 111:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

Pastor

Irritating Cars (and People)

Good Morning,

1 Thessalonians 4:11 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;”

When I pull my truck into the driveway and shut it off, a message pops up on the dashboard that reads, “Don't forget to look in the backseat.”

Let us be honest; I am smarter than the truck. Not only am I smarter, but I  do not want the truck telling me what to do. If it does not bother you to have a machine tell you what to do, you need to get your head examined.

Consider this; somebody designing these vehicles believes you are an idiot, and if somebody does not tell you to look in your backseat, you are likely to leave your cocker spaniel or your child or your chocolate ice cream back there. This very concept makes me angry. 

I was recently driving down the highway in a rental car, and a message popped up on the speedometer; “Consider taking a coffee break.”

If it were my wife saying that, she might get away with it, but it were anybody else, I would want to slap them! I do not need a car telling me take a coffee break; I do not even like coffee. I do not want a stupid vehicle telling me what to do. I do not like the designer of that car thinking that citizens are all idiots who need the government or the car manufacturer reminding us to take a coffee break.

I can give another example: I was sitting on an airplane while people were boarding. A man walked down the aisle with his wife, and he put a bag in the overhead compartment then pointed himself toward a seat when she interrupted him. She says, “Don't you think we could sit back here?” (She had already decided that his choice was inferior to her choice.)

1 Thessalonians 4:11 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business…”

Am I the only one who remembers hearing, “Mind your own business” as a child? 

Now, this problem is not a gender issue; the issues is a matter of respect and courtesy. If my wife is in front of me on an airplane, she can pick a place to sit. If she wants my “two cents” she could turn around and ask if I care where we sit. I could do the same thing or I could ask her if she wants a window seat or an aisle seat. I do not need her telling me where she thinks I need to sit, especially after I have already made my choice. 

You might say, “They are not being bossy, they are just talking.” What they are saying is, “I have a better idea than you do;” which is arrogant, inconsiderate, and stupid.

My wife and I decided that when we are on a plane, we would both like to have aisle seats so we choose seats across from each other. I want her to sit where she wants to sit. We can talk just as much and have access to the isles being across from each other. I do not need a machine or a person insulting me by saying that they know what I should do next.

Let me make this clear; unless you are a seeing eye dog and I am blind, you do not know what I should do next.

I will clarify more: if you have nail prints in your hands and spent three days in the grave, you can have a vote on my behavior; only that Person knows more than I do. Other than the seeing eye dog and the Saviour, you do not know what I am thinking, what I want, or what I need.

A couple was in the line at an old-fashioned cafeteria (where you put whatever you want on your tray and pay for each item). The man's hand reached for the little cartons of whole milk, and his wife said, “You know we don't drink whole milk,” and his hand magically moved toward the 2% milk. That woman thought she knew more than her husband. By her actions, she told to the world that he was an idiot, or at best, forgetful – neither of which were true. She may not have thought those very words, but that is surely what she communicated.

I might ask my wife where she would like to go to have lunch; but if I say ahead of time that I would like a burger at In-N-Out, then she may say, well I would rather have one at the Habit –we will go to In-N-Out and then to the Habit. How many of you think that really happens? In most cases, I think the guy surrenders and goes where the wife wants to go.  

Decent people are willing to consider the wishes of another; the person walking down the aisle of the plane to find a seat would ask their spouse, “Would you mind if we sat over here?” With regards a restaurant, someone might say, “Would it be okay if we ate at this restaurant?” If we are seeking to please our spouse, then the one who had already made their wishes known should be allowed to satisfy their desires. My wishes are not as important as my wife’s; I would seek to please her, but I would not seek to be corrected by her – there is a difference.

1 Corinthians 10:24 “Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.”

1 Timothy 5:13 “…busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”

When a two-year-old says he wants a cookie and the mom responds that the child does not need a cookie, the mom is the authority. She is smarter and the child has been told by the Word of God to honor and obey his parents. When dad or mom wants a cookie, it is no one’s business whether they get that cookie or not.

The Bible calls these people busy bodies. My grandma used to say “none ya,” as in, none of your business. 

Proverbs 20:5 “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” 

That means that even good advice should be like water in a well; it should be drawn out because it is desired.  The well should not spit the water out on those  who pass by.  

1 Peter 4:15 “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.”

When two people are conversing, you might want to think twice about giving your opinion.  You were not invited into that conversation – and it does not matter whether you are the teenager or one of the parents. When you are talking to someone and I voice my opinion about what you should do, that advice is unsolicited - which is rarely heeded and almost always resented.

The phrase, “Mind your own business” is a good, old-fashioned saying that needs to be revived.

Pastor 

Trust

Good Morning,

Concerning our trials and our faith, the Bible gives us clear, though difficult, instruction. 

Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

We are to thank God “for” and “in” each situation. We can begin by admitting that we all fail often in this commandment.  

We do not need to like everything we face. Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus cried and sweated great drops of blood in the garden. He prayed, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me…”  

Why should we be thankful?  One simple reason is due to the very nature of God. God is always good, always faithful, and always right.  We can commit each situation to the loving hands of the faithful Father.  Does God know about hat situation I am facing?  Was God overpowered by the forces of evil and could He not have prevented the trial?  Of course, God knows; and no, evil did not overpower the Creator. Yes, God could easily have prevented this tragedy.  Like the trial of Job, God was intimately involved and controlled the limits of each situation, but He does not ask our opinion or share all His plans. 

“Giving thanks always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20) and “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) has its root in the trustworthy nature of God, not in the circumstances or our feelings.  Giving thanks has nothing to do with the trial being small or great, but in the eternal power and presence of God.  Giving thanks is not related to my strength or ability to handle the situation, but rather in the perfect behavior of our Heavenly Father. 

God sees eternal things, we see only what is around us.  God sees the dominos, the effects that this situation will bring about; we see only the immediate.  

If we serve a statue with eight arms and a demonic face, then we can fret and fall apart, but if we serve the God of glory, the eternal, immortal, invisible King and only wise God, then we can trust Him.  

We might ask ourselves if the God we love and trust is faithful, good, true, kind, and all of the other words we use to describe our Lord. If so, then through tears or suffering, we can obey the two passages above:

“Giving thanks always for all things, “ and, “In every thing give thanks…” because God is worthy of our trust.  

Pastor

Hurtful Words

Good Morning,

I recently wrote a few lines about gossip and am compelled again to further address the matter of our response to sin or the behavior of another.  

Satan is called the “accuser of the brethren.” (Revelation 12:10) I certainly do not want to join his team by doing the same.  

I do not want to be responsible for anyone going to Hell.  As a teenager, I worked one summer for the California road department.  At only sixteen years of age, I could not run the big equipment, but I could hold a sign that said stop or slow. While working that job, I sat at lunch with the men. One man talked about the local pastor who borrowed his truck and returned it with almost no gas. As an unsaved sixteen-year-old, that statement became significant to me.

I am thankful for my parents; for when I heard that statement, rather than joining in the criticism of the pastor or hating Christians or churches, my first thought was, “I need to be sure to always return borrowed trucks full of gas.”  

If I had accepted this comment (or any others like it), I might have tossed out the idea of church for my future.  Sadly, I could have been sent to hell by the critical gossip and slander.  The story may have been true.  The actions of the pastor seemed to be wrong from the little information we were given, but one day, that man might have faced God with my blood on his hands!  

If a problem exists, fix it.  The scenario might have been an oversight.  Perhaps the pastor told someone else to fill it with gas, and it was not done.  Yet, here I am, fifty-two years later, thinking about that pastor who borrowed a truck and did not fill up the gas tank; and truly, I know none of the facts, just the comments from one gossiping critic.  

Thankfully, I did not seriously take the words to heart, and I still got saved a few years later.  By the way, that pastor was a great help to me early in my Christian life. 

When we criticize another, we set ourselves up as judges.

James 4:11 “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”

vs. 12 “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”

When we criticize or judge another we are forgetting that we will all face Christ at the Judgment Seat.

Romans 14:4 “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.” 

vs. 10 “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

The text concludes with a dreadful warning:

Romans 14:12 “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

There is no way of knowing how many people heard slander or criticism, and Satan used those comments to keep people from church or from getting saved.  Potentially, a crybaby complaining about gas in his truck is now facing God for a family who went to Hell because of his whining and gossip.  

Satan loves slander, gossip, half-truth accusations, and hurtful words.   

Pastor

Causing Division

Good Morning,

Most of us understand that some things people do are “bad.”  We usually list them in groups like murder, theft, adultery, and more.  Our list of “bad” deeds may vary between people, but one thing on God’s “bad” list is the act of causing division – which is often missed.

Of a wicked person, God says, “Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.” (Proverbs 6:14) 

According to God, causing discord is wicked.  A few verses later, God makes a stronger stand against causing divisions in a list of things God HATES. (Yes, the Lord mentions many things He hates; any diligent Bible reader is familiar with them.) God is usually more generic in His description of wrongs or says it is an act or a pattern of things God hates, but in Proverbs six, God says there is a person He hates.  

Proverbs 6:16 “These six things doth the LORD hate…” 

vs. 19 “A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” 

Notice the word HE that God hates, not the discord.  

Proverbs 6:14 says a wicked man sows discord, and verse 19 tells us that God hates the MAN that sowed discord among brethren.  

Much can be said regarding how God feels about various things, but for a moment, I will focus on discord.  Some teen or adult children cause discord between parents. In-laws may sow discord between married couples. Some employees create discord at work.  There are even some people who carefully use their words to draw people away from one friend to gain a closer relationship to themselves.  

God hates all of that!  Liberal politicians have mastered the art of division.  They have created division over everything possible in our society.  Proverbs 16 warns about people who cause strife and separate friends.

Proverbs 16:28 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” 

Paul tells us to mark people who cause divisions and to avoid them.  You do not need be unkind, but you do not need to be nice either – avoid them!  

Romans 16:17 “…mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Most of us have read a book or watched a movie in which the villain (a lady as often as a man) who acts nice only to cause hurt and division; we hate it and so does God!  

Unnecessary division caused most national revolutions.  In the case of the American Revolution, it was thought through, worked on, and after years of seeking peace, a break had to happen, and the Declaration was written.  In Russia, Germany, and many other countries, economic disaster and division were created – even division over race as the Germans and the Jews.  

America is experiencing this very phenomenon.  A division between us and our Founders has been created, and a division between economic class and race has been magnified.  

Satan is a master divider.  He has used division in churches for centuries.  Satan has used division in homes to break up a cherished institution.  Long ago, I made a decision that if someone starts to cause division between me and the people or things I love, they will no longer be a part of my life!  That is why I do not watch most news, and have avoided many Christians.  Once someone has identified himself as one who tries to divide friends, I am done with them!  

As I wrote earlier, God hates the person who sows discord!  

Pastor 

Praise

Good Morning,

In our culture, mankind receives a great deal of praise: they throw a ball, build a business, or play an instrument - but Who deserves the praise?

Judges 5:3 “Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.”

In Chronicles there were thousands of people whose primary job was to praise God.  Neglecting to praise God is easy to do - so they made it someone's job.  

1 Chronicles 23:5 “Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.”

We stand and applaud for a touchdown; stadiums resound with shouts and cheers for a great concert or athletic event – but Who made them? Who made their hands, their eyes, and their minds, and Who enabled their coordination? When does God get the praise He deserves?  

1 Chronicles 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”

Psalm 22:23 “Ye that fear the LORD, praise him.”

May we praise the One Who deserves the praise.  May we praise the Creator Who made a man agile enough to run, jump, catch, throw, or play an instrument. May we praise God, Who made a brain so spectacular that the five-year-old can speak in several languages.  

We clap for everybody; there ought to be some praising of God.

Americans will clap after a song or a touchdown, but take a moment to look at the stars in the sky and lift up your hands toward Heaven with adoration and worship, and shout "What a God!" I know, we are a more sedate congregation, but seriously, we are not sedate at a ball game? Folks in our church feel a bit awkward when people are expressive.  I know, it needs to be well-timed to not distract from the message, but really, how hard is it to say, “Amen?" What about that uncomfortable verse, Psalms 47:1 “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”  Maybe God means to only shout in private or outside, but wherever and whenever, He said, "clap your hands."

I am not turning Pentecostal, but I am frustrated with all of the praise going to some fornicating gorilla out in the pasture who can run, block, or catch. I am tired folks becoming famous because they make a lot of money when they do not know the Creator. The fact is, the beginning of wisdom and knowledge starts with the fear of the Lord.  (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)  Who cares what the Hollywood performers or the inventor of a car thinks about politics.  Let us praise the God Who holds our life in His hands and give respect and honor to those who love and fear Him. 


Let us remember to give praise and honor to God. The Bible says that God wants praise from our mouths – out loud! 

Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Pastor